FIFA has sparked fury among football supporters by selecting an entirely Argentine officiating team to take charge of France’s World Cup knockout clash against Morocco.
The 44-year-old referee Facundo Tello will lead a five-strong crew of compatriots when the two sides meet in Boston on Thursday evening.
This marks the first occasion at the 2026 tournament that every match official for a knockout fixture has been drawn from a single nation.
The appointment has raised immediate concerns given Argentina and France rank among the leading contenders for the trophy and share an intense rivalry on the international stage.
France will face Morocco – and an entire team of Argentine officials – on Thursday
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REUTERS
Supporters took to social media to express their disbelief at the decision, with accusations of match-fixing quickly gaining traction online.
“All Argentina referees for a france match, FIFA trying everything to rig the World Cup for Argentina once again,” wrote one fan.
Another posted: “FIFA doesnt hide it anymore. All Argentinian why dont you bring Messi to check the VAR too.”
Others were equally scathing, with one describing the governing body as “a pathetic and corrupt organisation” whilst another simply labelled officials “frauds” and insisted the appointment was deliberate.
The match officials for @FIFAWorldCup match 97 have been appointed. 🤝
— FIFA (@FIFAcom) July 7, 2026
The backlash intensified given the timing of the announcement, which came shortly after Argentina’s contentious victory over Egypt.
That dramatic round of 16 encounter saw Argentina come from behind to defeat Egypt 3-2 on Tuesday, with the match overseen by UEFA official François Letexier and two fellow French assistants.
The game proved deeply controversial, with Egypt having a second goal ruled out following a VAR review before they managed to find the net again regardless.
Mohamed Salah was then denied what many felt was a clear penalty in the dying moments, only for Enzo Fernandez to snatch victory for Argentina deep into stoppage time.
Norwegian officials served as the reserve and fourth official for that fixture.
Critics have questioned why FIFA would willingly create such a situation when elite referees from dozens of other nations were available for selection.
Argentina mounted an incredible comeback to beat Egypt on Tuesday to reach the World Cup quarter-finals
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The draw means Argentina and France occupy opposite sides of the bracket, preventing them from meeting until a potential final.
France, spearheaded by Kylian Mbappé, have impressed throughout the competition and are widely regarded as the most significant obstacle to Lionel Messi’s side claiming back-to-back world titles.
Regardless of how the officiating team performs, every significant decision during the France-Morocco encounter will now face intense scrutiny.
FIFA has effectively handed itself another avoidable public relations headache at a tournament already marred by refereeing controversies.
